Geri Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 or so my daughter informed me today! Things here have been a little rough lately, the cure is definitely worse than the disease right now. I have been having increasing difficuties with SOB over the last couple of months which came to a head last week. No need to send you all to sleep with the details but with the help of Lasix my lungs (yes my lovely clean cancer free lungs) have been emptied of the fluid, however my heart is now suspect for damage due to the chemo - I can't fail to see the irony in this one should it prove true I see a cardiologist tomorrow after an echocardiogram and hopefully she'll be able to shed some light on what's going on. I had a muga (sp?) test before the start of chemo as heart damage is a 'slight' risk with the type of tx I had sooo.........5 months ago my heart was good and I'm keeping everything crossed that this is just a temporary problem. Today I had a melt down, Richard is still communting and had gone back to VT yesterday after my clean bill of health from the onc re my most recent breathing crisis. Wouldn't you know it today it's baaaack! Not quite as bad as last week but enough that I'm only moving when I have to, so my daughter who practices Reiki on me came by again to give me the once over. She arrived to find me snivelling into a kleenex feeling very sorry for myself. I'm having a great deal of difficulty dealing with the loss of independence right now and it pisses me off that someone else has to help me with so many ordinary things. Anyway Karen took no prisoners, welcomed me to the human race and reminded me that I don't mind doing things for other people so get over it so to speak, these things happen and now it was my turn to accept the help I needed. She then made dinner! What a gem. She takes me to appts when Richard can't get back here (and anywhere else that maybe too far for me to manage), brings me dinner, has given me a card before each tx to cheer me on and today she put me in my place during my pity party - which she did join in for a while - all the while working 10+ hour days, I guess we did do something right when she was younger I didn't mean to turn this into a novel but if I helped with anyone's insomnia tonight - it was my pleasure! Now I shall return to my recliner and try to get some sleep. Thanks for listening Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I hope you feel better Geri. I tried to go Christmas shopping the other day and besides the crowds, I had to deal with increased sob....so I bailed out and just did it all on line. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Despite all teh aggravating Teen age years Kids are still a blessing in Life!!!!So glad your daughter is able to help you out when you need some support and companionship. Praying for good results with cardioligist and sending big hugs((((((((((()))))))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mendy Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Geri, I am sorry you are having a temporary setback. It is ok to have a moment of being upset when you can do what you are used to. Thank goodness for your amazingly wonderful daughter. Hang in there. Mendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Geri - I am so sorry that you are having some problems right now. I know how the chemos can zap your body. But.....I am so glad to hear that you have an amazingly special daughter who is so thoughtful and helpful to you. Give her a hug from me!! Hope you start to get back on the right track - please keep us posted. Hugs to You - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Your daughter is a reflection of you, dear. Bless you both. I am sorry sorry and am joinging your pity party and the whole thing pisses me off as well. Here's praying for a big turn around. Hugs and love, empathy and encouragement. pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 (((Geri))), It's hard to visualize you not smiling( like your picture), but you are only human. I'm so so very sorry you are having to go through all of this. Being sob is such a debilitating thing. So glad your daughter is there to help. Know that I will be praying for you. Let us know how everything the cardiologist has to say. Take care . God Bless, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Sounds like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Sorry to hear about your SOB and cardiac issues, but listen to your daughter--she's a smart one! Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Oh geez, Geri. I guess you've answered my question why you've been so 'silent' lately. I thought since chemo was done and rad hadn't started you were out painting Boston red ~ so to speak. Okay, I am onto some serious hand wringing. I'm certain that will improve your situation . In all seriousness, Geri, let's hope this is due to just going through so much that your 'ole' (sorry) body just has to take some time to regroup itself. And you certainly are blessed with one great daughter. I'm sure Rock has his hand in it as well. Well, friend, you know you have my wishes and very best thoughts for resolution to all this. Remember that you 'DON'T' want me to visit......right ? I know you are great at hanging in there. Sorry you have to. In the meantime.....fa la 'friggin' la! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Oh geez Geri. Anything else going on. lol. I'm praying that this all gets sorted out and you are back to normal. Also glad to hear you have the help you need. Praying things get better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Geri-- Human or no, I think you are one super lady. I'm sorry things are so hard right now, and glad that your daughter has been so wonderful. ((((((Geri)))))) love, Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Geri- I am sorry you're having more issues. John had some heart damage from chemo and it was relieved with medication to make his heart pump stronger. I hope this is something that can be easily corrected. Karen is a good daughter. You should be so proud. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Oh Geri, This really sucks, but I can TOTALLY UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION!! I am living proof that chemo and radiation has damaged my heart. All Cardiologists I have seen over the last 4 years have agreed that my heart damage is because from my treatments. I only hope this is something mild for you and can be an easy fix. If you want to chat about it, feel free to PM me. Thank GOD for family and friends at times when we REALLY NEED THEM! I know how it feels to have the rug pulled out from under you. I'm heading in that direction again in another week when I have my heart surgery. I HATE depending on others, but I love them for being here for me. It's so hard when you have been in control of things for so long. ((((((GERI))))))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexan Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 Dear Jerry, hope you feel much, much beter. Hugs & love bucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted December 13, 2007 Author Share Posted December 13, 2007 Thanks for all the support, the outcome of being poked and prodded yesterday is that I have a leaky valve but the heart muscle is strong. Not chemo related she said - yeah right! - so am having a catherization tomorrow to see where we go from here, surgical or medical. As for Karen and Rock they are now sound aslepp in the guest room and are there until Richard gets home.......Rock asked me if I wanted a sleepover when he came in for his dinner last night. He said he wouldn't want to be alone and didn't think I should be either - what a gem she found - and as I'd be more comfortable here they were going home for their pyjamas! I'm truly blessed, Karen I guess this really does cancel out your teen years So many people have asked in amazemant why we are retiring to MA.........I guess this is the answer! Kasey, feel free to do some hand wringing over me, I think this time deserves a little at least Later Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 Geri, Your move to MA is the best retiring decision you made. Karen sounds like a gem and you should be proud of her and Rock, so nice to be offered their sleep over the way it was presented. Keep us posted for the leaky valve (not chemo related!!) and sending you wishes that all will be fine and you will bounce back to have a good Chtistmas. Hugs Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev'sSister Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 I can remember my sister being frustrated that she "needed" help. I think what helped her through that and to realize that she was blessed to have people around was when I reminded her.."You would do it for me". That seem to take some of the guilt she had away. You know you would do it for your daughter...so let her do it for you. It made me happy and it made me feel like I was giving back when my sister finally gave in and just told me what she needed me to do. I am so thankful that she did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev'sSister Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 I can remember my sister being frustrated that she "needed" help. I think what helped her through that and to realize that she was blessed to have people around was when I reminded her.."You would do it for me". That seem to take some of the guilt she had away. You know you would do it for your daughter...so let her do it for you. It made me happy and it made me feel like I was giving back when my sister finally gave in and just told me what she needed me to do. I am so thankful that she did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 Geri, how wonderful to know you're blessed with such a fantastic family! Good for them for taking action and being there for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 Hey Geri.............I know a sleepover with Rock would do wonders for ME ! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 Ok Geri--try to behave during the Cath! it's what I tell my dad, meaning the Dr. is not supposed to find anything that ain't supposed to be there! Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laban Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 Geri, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and praying that the cath goes well. Many blessings to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Geri, Hurry back w/ good news. Many prayers and tons of love. Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted December 14, 2007 Author Share Posted December 14, 2007 Okay Kase, should I tell him? I think he'd blush a million shades of red, but who knows...........he does like older women - Karen is all of 2 weeks older than him Thanks for the laugh Kase, just what I needed right now. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted December 15, 2007 Share Posted December 15, 2007 Prayers are with you as always my friend. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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